The aim of this study was to examine the effect of spraying two herbicidal ionic liquid (HIL) forms
of MCPA – namely Ethoquad O-12 and didecyldimethylammonium (a cation) and MCPA (an anion) – on
the uptake of Mn, Zn, and Cu by spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The total elemental contents of
the aboveground parts of the spring barley were measured using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy 24
and 72h after fields were sprayed. The data was compared to controls that consisted of the corresponding
treatments using a commercial formulation of MCPA as a salt or ester. The field studies revealed lower
contents of Mn, Zn, and Cu in the material after use of commercial formulation compared to HILs. This
clean technology provides the means to reduce toxic waste from an industrial chemical process and increase
its efficiency in terms of weed control by increasing the absorption rate of macro- and microelements.